The REAL reason for no unsubsidized price...

[Sun Baked]

Might see that those not eligible for the subsidized phone purchase from the Apple Store may need to buy directly from AT&T.

Something is odd in the subsidy info that made the front page (the commission) which might mean AT&T and Apple were thinking ahead.

So even those not eligible for another subsidized phone, might be eligible with a termination fee quite a bit less than the $175 termination fee.

Wouldn't be too surprised at a $50-75 additional charge instead of the termination fee for switching an upgrade ineligible plan to an iPhone plan.

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But that is a SWAG, more likely the executives will offer a more towards full whack price.

 

[kamiboy]

I thought the real for reshizzle reason was the one that att CEO talked about at Macworld 2007, you know the fact that they have a 5 year exclusivity agreement with Apple, even for future 3G models. If wouldn't be very exclusive if you could just buy one without contract and stick a sim from some other provider in there.

 

[icewing]

I'm not sure if you meant to quote/ask me as I don't see the connection in what you're asking with what I posted, but there are a number of threads and news articles that address that AT&T will do everything they can to ensure that you are using their service, including forcing you to sign up with AT&T as a necessary step in the process of purchasing the phone from either an Apple or AT&T store.

The subsidized cost of the iPhone has everything to do with having AT&T as a carrier since they are the ones eating the cost difference. And while AT&T's unlimited 3G data plans are the same cost (or better) than every other US mobile phone carrier I wasn't aware that the family plan was so much more expensive.

Like I said, I've got nothing against AT&T, but the price difference is driving me out of the market. I pay $5/month for data for myself only, and $20 for unlimited texts (I've got teenagers). AT&T's rates are $30/month for data, and $30/month unlimited texts, $17 for 7 pm night/wknd...plus difference in company discounts...

End up paying over $1500 more over 2 years....

DANG! How many more people would buy an iPhone/switch to AT&T if their rates were more reasonable? Sorry for the whining, but I really want an iPhone, and AT&T is preventing me from being able to get one...

/whine

 

[gceo]

Ok, so where are all your sources which claim that there WILL be an unsubsidized price? This has never been officially stated. In fact, at&t has said quite the opposite.

Sure there is speculation that there will be an unsub'ed price, but that could be more wishful thinking than anything.

Uh, how would you replace a lost or stolen phone?

There will be an unsubsidized price. The article on the front page says it will be announced before July 11th.

"probably" the reason that they didn't announce it at the WWDC, is that it would take the hype away from the $199 price, and 56% won't buy one because of price and blah blah blah investor relations blah blah sales figures blah blah apple stock..... You get the point.